A MAN has been arrested in connection with the aggressive rape of a teenager on Southport promenade, but police still believe that the attacker could be at large.

Officers investigating the incident are keeping an open mind and Detective Sergeant Richard Jones said: “We have been investigating this case thoroughly and an arrest has been made. However, we still believe that people can come forward and help us with our investigation.

“We are particularly keen to hear from dog walkers who may have witnessed the attack, and urge them to contact us.”

The 18-year-old woman was subjected to a serious sexual assault in the early hours after a night out in the West Street bar Starsky's.

The rape took place in a shelter on Lower Promenade between 1.45am and 2.30am on Sunday, April 26.

The woman met her attacker at the bar and walked to the shelter with him, and they sat talking next to the lake but when she tried to leave the man became aggressive.

He pushed her back into a seat and raped her.

His terrified victim struggled free and punched him in the face, before running to safety at the Promenade.

Police launched an appeal three weeks ago for any information in connection with the attack.

Detectives said they were keen to talk to two dog walkers in the area at the time.

The person who found the victim on the Promenade and is described as white, in his mid-30s to 40s, of average height and large build with a bald head and round face. He was wearing black trousers, a shirt and a black zipped-up jacket and had a local accent.

The other dog walker was seen at the lake around the time of the offence and is described as white, in his mid-30s and was looking for a Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog.

Neither of the men are suspects but detectives believe they could have valuable information about the morning’s events.

Police investigations are now continuing and anyone with any information is urged to call police on 0151 777 3165 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.